Jim Flaherty's death shocks Whitby residents

MP remembered for his long service and political legacy

Remembering Jim Flaherty

WHITBY – The sudden death of Jim Flaherty has sent shockwaves across Canada today and residents of his longtime riding in Whitby were as shocked as any.
Residents in downtown Whitby expressed sadness over Mr. Flaherty’s death
“I did a double take,” said Edward Lane, recalling learning of Mr. Flaherty’s death in his lawyer’s office.
“I liked the man very much,” said Mr. Lane. “I’m not saying I’m a Conservative or anything but he served his country and the world really well.
“We shone through all of the explosion of the finances and the recession and it made us look really good on the world stage, economically, financially, I thank him for that.”
Mr. Flaherty’s long service as MPP and MP for the area was praised by many, including those who weren’t his supporters. Winston Moorhead said he wasn’t a fan of Mr. Flaherty but was saddened by the news.
“I mean it’s sad, for a guy who served the country as long as he had,” said Mr. Moorhead. “I think there are a lot of Canadians who liked him; he was a hard-working individual.”
Mr. Flaherty’s loss was felt deeply among his supporters, who fondly remembered personal experiences with him.
“He was a great man, he was a great man for Durham Region, he was a great finance minister and he’s going to be missed. He really is,” said Teresa Heenan, who recalled Mr. Flaherty’s many visits to her seniors’ centre. “He was always there for the people, he always had a lot of time for the seniors.”
She said she’d noticed Mr. Flaherty hadn’t been looking well this past year and said how sorry she felt for his family.
“I believe he was the best finance minister ever.”
Luz Berez Mayo echoed those sentiments, calling Mr. Flaherty and his wife Christine Elliott a great couple. She recalled how every Christmas she’d receive something from them and she felt his end had come too soon.
“So young, I think we still need him,” said Ms. Mayo, who said Mr. Flaherty left a good legacy. “He was a really good politician, he’s done so well as far as economics and the budget. I’d salute him for what he’s done for Ontario and Canada.”
Mr. Flaherty's funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.